backpacking/hiking in maine

[hiker72]

Hello Everyone
I was wondering if anyone can give me ideas/comments on hiking/backpacking in maine. There are 4 of us going and all 4 are pretty strong hikers. I have done Acadia area and looking for some other areas. Our goal is a combination of long day hikes and a few overnight hikes. Looking for areas that are good for fall foliage (first week Oct)as well as the opportunity to see wildlife (moose). Looking for specific trails, difficulty levels, water sources, campgrounds, etc. Any and all info would be greatly aprreciated
thanks
renee
ps if you have any great info on NH or other side trips that would be great too. coming from Ohio

[natchez]

Hi Renee, welcome to the forum :)

Personally not having experience hiking in Main, I know there are members here who do. I hope they will see this and react :)

[GDeadPhans]

Maybe I could help you out. I live in Machias, Maine. Way down east. There are tons and tons of trails. So beautiful too.

Firstly, for a long backpacking trip, I would recommend Baxter State Park, more specifically Davis Pond/Chimney Rock area. Its so nice, if you get to Davis Pond, its a beautiful view of Mt. Katahdin across the lake. Its picture perfect. Thats about a 3 - 4 day hike. But there are tons of shorter hikes out at Baxter. Being out there in October you have a huge chance of spotting moose. If you go to one of the ranger stations they have up to date information on the most recent reported moose sighting and the location. There are lost of really nice trails out in Baxter.

For a shorter long day hike, or possible a leisure two day hike, I would recommend The Bold Coast in Cutler Maine, a very very nice place. Theres the full trail (approx 12 miles, or the half loop (approx 6 miles). If you take the 12 mile loop, after 1/2 the trail there will be really nice campsites. Half the trail is inland through woods, bogs, and marshes, with amazing overlooks. The other half is right along the rock coast, some of the cliffs can be up to 150 feet high, literally. Its absolutely incredible. Very wilderness type trails. I.E. lots of overbrush, tons of blueberry and raspberry bushes along the trail. Its a nice hike. At the campsites there is a lighthouse right across the bay. The coast has huge rocks and nice jagged peaks, making the waves a spectacle to watch. Also last time I was there we saw a whale no more than 30 yards away from the coast. It was incredible.

If you are in Maine in October and on the trails, there is a huge chance you will see Moose. But be very careful! That time is there rut season (mating season), and they get very ornery and more likely to show aggression. Look closely around the bog areas. They like to hang around the bogs. Its incredible how such a big creature can quickly pop out in front of you on the trail, than be gone in an instant. Very nimble through dense forests.

Theres tons of nice trails up here in Maine, I could go on, but those are my two favorites. I really think you would all enjoy them.

I hear the White Mountains in NH are very nice, though never been there.

If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. I don't have internet, but ill get back to you eventually.

[DuctTape]

Yes! Go to Baxter State Park! One of my favorite places on earth.

http://www.baxterstateparkauthority.com/

Early October is excellent for foliage, though a bit chilly.